In November 2021, as part of the implementation of the CBDC concept, the Bank of Russia announced tests of a platform for transactions with the crypto ruble.
As Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank Olga Skorobogatova noted, the regulator, together with several largest banks, intends to implement the first transactions in test mode as early as January 2022.
The government and parliament also supported the project to launch the digital ruble. State Duma Deputy Sergei Mironov called on the Central Bank to issue a token to consumers as soon as possible.
Maxim Khrustalev, representing Promsvyazbank, told the TASS agency that his credit institution had already begun testing the token.
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In total, the 12 largest Russian state and commercial banks are on the list of participants in the CBDC trials. For example, VTB and Tinkoff Bank are already preparing their payment infrastructure to accept crypto rubles.
The press service of VTB emphasized that the first task would be to test the functionality of the mobile application for CBDC. During the first stage of testing, the mechanism for the exchange of tokens between individuals will be tested.
Vitalii Kopysov, Head of Innovation at SKB-Bank, said: "We will be able to get a digital currency with new opportunities for its use, including in payment services. In addition, business owners will be able to receive additional benefits, such as lower operating costs."